2024 Summer Leadership Academy Cities & Teams

Elidia Magaña is currently a junior at the University of Chicago. She is studying Spanish and Human Rights and is planning on attending law school after she earns her bachelors degree. She recently joined the Students Demand Action team in 2024 and hopes to get more involved in gun violence prevention within her community.

Keeping active, camping with family, and going on walks.

🫶 👹 🌚

Cookie Dough. The vanilla flavor for the most part is basic, but a safe choice. Then the cookie dough gives it some personality when needed.

Juliana Zanubi is a recent graduate from DePaul University, where she studied International Relations and foreign languages. During her college time, she was a mentor for First Year Students and a tutor, so she values youth empowerment and mentorship. Since her graduation, she has participated in community improvement efforts in her hometown Cali, in Colombia, and within the immigrant community in Chicago. Although she has not previously been involved in gun violence prevention, her academic background and life experiences both in the United States and in Colombia have motivated her to join the cause towards a safer environment for everyone. She wants to focus her career in international development, and understands the importance of uplifting youth and creating community building opportunities for peacebuilding and societal growth. She hopes to put her mentorship and teaching skills, as well as her academic experience in favor of the Chicago community, to empower its youth to organize, be leaders, and call for what they believe their community needs.

Long walks, kitesurfing, hiking, swimming… pretty much anything outdoors

🦋 🌺 🤍

Honey Lavender. It reminds me of reflection, nature and joy, and I think I am someone who perceives emotions strongly and reflects on the little things quite often.

LaDeija Kimbrough is a junior criminal justice major and psychology minor at the illustrious Clark Atlanta University and a Chicago native. She demonstrated her passion for community outreach when she joined programs and mentorships that focused on community development and youth outreach. She participated in student led discussions about necessary change for her community and strategized plans to make the desired changes. After attending a Students Demand Action summit, she began her community organizing pursuit focusing mainly on gun violence in the community. She is eager to gain insight on gun violence and its effects on others personally and have the opportunity to gain new skills that can be passed on.

Going downtown by the river and riding bikes, having picnics with my friends, and doing anything that involves water.

😭 🥰 🙃

Mint Chocolate Chip. I am very sweet with a cool demeanor; often controversial but sweet being mixed with strong and savory traits.

Matthew Jamil is a student at Northwestern University majoring in social policy and history. Matthew has had a passion for gun violence prevention ever since the Parkland shooting and has grown in his passion for change especially since shootings in his home state of Michigan at Oxford High School and Michigan State University. In the future he hopes to use his education and experience to create positive social change, especially on the front of gun violence. This being his first year with Students Demand Action, he is excited to help contribute to positive change in the community.

Working as a caddy at a local golf course.

🫥 🫠 🤩

Mint Chocolate Chip. I am fresh when it comes to ideas, but also a classic “flavor” when it comes to other things like music, and my personality has some sweet chips scattered throughout.

Cheyenne Walker is a graduating senior, political science major, and Afro-American Studies minor from Harlem, New York studying at Howard University. As the co-founder and vice president of the first figure skating club at an HBCU, Cheyenne has left an indelible mark on the Howard community. Beyond academics, Cheyenne is actively involved in various organizations, serving as the Community Service Chair for the Howard University Chapter of My Sister’s Keeper and contributing to the National Council of Negro Women Howard University Section. Additionally, Cheyenne is a part of Howard’s Praise Dance Ministry. As a 2023 recipient of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, Cheyenne studied abroad in Ghana in, volunteering with the Play and Learn Foundation and continuing as a US Ambassador. Professionally, Cheyenne has interned with the New York State Attorney General’s Office in policy and legislation and contributed as a geo-political point person on Yahoo!’s cybersecurity team. Passionate about mentorship and advocacy, Cheyenne is driven by the belief that these principles are at the heart of making a positive impact. Beyond her achievements, Cheyenne finds joy in travel, dance, reading, baking, and exploring diverse cuisines, with a goal to visit 25 countries before age 25. With her eyes set on a future in Washington, D.C. Cheyenne aspires to continue her education and build a career focused on policy, legislation, and advocating for underserved communities.

Swimming in the pool, floating in the ocean, and going to amusement parks.

💗🤣✈️

Birthday Cake. I am full of surprises, I am super sweet, always in the mood for a good time, and I love to celebrate the small things in life.

Deveroux Foster is a dynamic and influential community leader and advocate for gun violence safety, whose passion for creating positive change has made a significant impact in his local area and beyond. Born and raised in the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia) and deeply affected by gun violence on a yearly basis, Deveroux’s journey is one of resilience, hope, and unwavering commitment to making a difference not only to his community but to the world.

Music production and engineering.

🫨 😆 🤷🏾‍♂️

Rocky Road Chocolate, I may look the same as other chocolate, but once you get a taste you’ll soon realize that I’m quite different than the others.